Daming Yuanfu

Chapter 1391 The Grandfather of the Nation who is attentive to nothing

Among the nobles of the Jingnan family in the Ming Dynasty, the person who currently ranks second at the head of the class is naturally Cheng Guogong Zhu Yingzhen. The three families basically monopolize the position of the leader of the Shenjing Chaoban, and are usually determined according to the order of succession.

Zhu Yingzhen is not very old, but among the three princes of Shenjing, except for the old man Xu Wenbi, the Duke of Dingguo, he became a prince more than a year earlier than Zhang Yuangong, the British Duke, so he ranked first in the military minister class, and his status is unquestionable. (In fact, based on the development of the three major royal families, the British family is the most important in terms of overall actual status, but this will be discussed in detail later when needed.)
However, the few princes of the country have lost their ancestors' ability to fight. Although they are still the governors of the five prefectures in name, they are only "commanders" rather than "leaders".Especially after Gao Yushi came up with the reform of separating the Imperial Guard Army and the Production and Construction Corps, the several princes of the state thankfully handed over the military power, only retaining absolute control over the Production and Construction Corps.

Zhu Yingzhen was one of the main talkers of the Production and Construction Corps, and because Dingguo Gong Xu Wenbi was in poor health, Zhu Yingzhen actually became the chief figure of the Production and Construction Corps.

Duke Cheng has a high status, so he is usually only responsible for giving orders, and there are very few things that require his personal care.However, there is one thing that has caught the Duke's attention recently, and that is the renovation project of Yongning Princess Palace undertaken by the Production and Construction Corps.

To be honest, compared with such large-scale projects as the maintenance of the capital’s defenses, the construction of the Beijing North Camp of the Imperial Guards, the Yongding River defense project, and the maintenance of the Tianshou Mountain Imperial Mausoleum, the renovation of a mere princess mansion is really nothing to mention.Not only is the scale small, but the amount involved is not large. It stands to reason that Zhu Yingzhen only needs to explain such a small matter.

However, Zhu Yingzhen, as one of the three major princes of the capital, the minister of the Holy Majesty, and Gao Situ's "brother", how could he not know some inside information that is not humane?

Zhu Yingzhen not only took charge of the Princess Mansion renovation project this time, but even spent every day at the Princess Mansion construction site to supervise the construction, and his work enthusiasm was extremely high.Even the civil servants of the foreign court couldn't help being speechless when they heard about it. They thought that Cheng Guogong was at least very concerned about the affairs of the Tian family.

Zhu Yingzhen, the mainstay of Xunchen, is also at the construction site of the Princess Mansion today, supervising the construction in the wind and snow.Speaking of snow, it is really not suitable for construction, especially construction projects, but the emperor's decree, let alone snow, even if it is necessary to do it with a knife.

Fortunately, the Production and Construction Corps is now becoming more and more professional, and even knows how to build a shed. Therefore, although the efficiency of the renovation work is definitely not as good as that of a sunny day, at least it can continue.

However, this is also thanks to Jinghua Infrastructure. It is said that the staff of Jinghua Infrastructure came up with a new renovation plan after the on-site inspection. They suggested replacing a large number of wooden materials used in the original Princess Mansion with stone.

This suggestion is obviously a reference to the famous Baiyu Tower in Daming. Although the Princess Mansion still needs to adopt the shape of a Chinese-style building, most of the materials can be replaced.

However, just like some criticisms aroused after the completion of the Baiyu Building, the practice of canceling a large number of wooden building materials in the Princess Mansion violates the consistent architectural principles of the Han people (referring to the Five Elements Theory believes that the most livable is "wood", which is explained earlier in this book). Let the outside world have some discussions.

It's just that these arguments don't seem to be able to shake Princess Yongning. Princess Yongning sent news from Changchun Palace that she also likes Baiyulou very much, and the renovation of the Princess Mansion will be done according to Jinghua Infrastructure's plan.

Outsiders don't know how Princess Yongning knows about Baiyulou, and even "likes it very much".However, Baiyulou is indeed too famous. Everyone thought that Her Royal Highness probably only knew about it after reading some picture book, but it didn't arouse any doubts.

Zhu Yingzhen, who turned into a contractor, divided the project into several parts. The most important core area was the princess' bedroom. He didn't even want to use the people who built the Corps for this part. Come over here, and be responsible for the renovation of the bedroom of the Princess Mansion.

He himself seems to think that this bedroom is the most important, and he stays here most of the time.But today he didn't come alone, he was accompanied by a burly old man.

There are not many people who know this old man, but there are definitely not many people who have heard of his name.His name is Gao Mo, and his public identity is the chief steward of Gao Yushi's residence. People who are more familiar with Gao Yushi know that Gao Mo is also the controller of Jinghua's Ministry of Internal Affairs and the first person in charge of the black top.

"I'm talking about senior executives, this lock is not the same as the treasure house of Baiyulou, is it? After installing it, if it is not opened properly, will there be poisonous smoke and hidden arrows coming out?" Zhu Yingzhen looked at Gao Mo. The man couldn't help asking when he installed the door lock for the secret passage of the bedroom.

Gao Mo smiled and said, "That's not true. This lock was made by seven skilled craftsmen according to the master's idea. The master called it a 'mechanical combination lock'."

He pointed to the code disk arranged in a nine-square grid on the top, and said: "The characters on the top are called Arabic numerals. There are nine code boxes in total. Each code box can be flipped. There are numbers from 0 to 9 on them ten digits.

Before the lock is enabled, the master has set the password in advance. Only by adjusting the passwords of the nine holes to the correct number can the lock hole be exposed and opened with a key. "

"So that's how it is. This is a good thing." Zhu Yingzhen seemed a little moved, and asked, "This lock... Is Jinghua willing to sell it?"

Gao Mo shook his head slightly, and said, "This item cannot be mass-produced. Each set has to be handcrafted, which is extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive. It seems that the master has no plans to sell it outside."

Zhu Yingzhen was greatly disappointed: "This is such a pity, I still want to buy a few sets for use."

Gao Mo smiled when he heard the words, and said: "Although it is not for sale, but what kind of relationship is the relationship between the Duke and my master? How can we treat it like this? Otherwise, I will talk to the master after the old man returns. Let’s see if we can build a set specially for the Duke.”

"Oh, how can you be so embarrassing..." Zhu Yingzhen had a serious face, but he followed up very naturally: "How much money does this set need?"

"It's not for sale, so how can there be a price." Gao Mo said with a smile, "I'm afraid even the master can't answer this question."

Zhu Yingzhen understood it, and said meaningfully: "A good lock, a good lock, I want to know that people who have this lock must have such a good lock on their lips."

"My lord is very insightful." Gao Mo nodded with a smile.

Zhu Yingzhen smiled reservedly, thought for a while, and said: "By the way, there is something I have been hesitant about for the past few days. I don't know whether to ask it or not..."

"Oh?" Gao Mo's face was calm, but he always kept a friendly smile: "The Duke and my master have been friends for many years, and they are as close as brothers. If you have something to say, it's okay to say it."

Zhu Yingzhen said: "I heard that the emperor gave Qiuzhen the woman who was presented by Ye Hebu, but it seems that Qiuzhen hasn't figured out how to arrange it yet?"

Gao Mo smiled and said: "My master said that although the emperor's grace is great, this matter is related to the Liaodong border situation. Although he is no longer Liaofu, after all, he proposed not long ago that Ye He should be supported as my fence, as a response to Chaha. Er's Liaobei barrier. If you take him into the mansion immediately at this time, I'm afraid there is something wrong."

Zhu Yingzhen nodded again and again: "Seeking the truth has always been prudent, I naturally know this. In fact, since it is bestowed by the emperor, these are not problems. Of course, it is not bad for him to be more cautious... I still have a few years in the capital. Chu Zhaizi, if you are truth-seeking and don’t dislike it, it would be convenient to arrange for that Ge Ge."

Gao Mo didn't know Zhu Yingzhen's purpose for meddling in this matter for a while. Although Gao Yushi didn't like to buy a mansion in the capital like other rich people, but in terms of Jinghua's financial resources, even if he bought a house temporarily, it would be worthless. It is a matter of one sentence.Of course Zhu Yingzhen also understood, so it seemed strange that he rushed to give the house away like this.

"This old man thanked the Lord for his kindness on behalf of my master." Gao Mo smiled slightly, "However, the Lord also knows that such a major matter is not something that can be decided by the old man, so we should go back and ask the master for instructions, and wait for the master to punish us... ... I wonder if the Duke has anything else to say?"

Zhu Yingzhen said with a smile: "Yes, there is, but it's not as complicated as you think. Qiuzhen was only his No. identity."

He paused for a while and continued: "A few days ago, a man from Jiangnan happened to sell his mansion in Jinggongfang, Zhaohui, to me at a discounted price because of business losses. The mansion is to the north of Qiuzhen Shangshu Mansion, with only one other house in the middle.

I thought about it at that time, and sent someone to contact me, and I simply persuaded the family in the middle to buy his mansion, so the two mansions to the north of Shangshufu are now my family's property.I originally bought these two mansions as a gift to Qiuzhen, now the opportunity is just right, after he takes them, he can expand the Shangshu Mansion and combine them into one, so as to avoid the majestic Shangshu Mansion from being so cramped and unseemly . "

Gao Mo thought to himself: So that's what happened. From the time point of view, Cheng Guogong didn't have any other purpose, it's just a coincidence this time.

But having said that, what about the small Shangshufu, why is it "very out of style"?Back then, Duke Wenzheng was the chief assistant of the dynasty, and the mansion he lived in was less than a third of the size of the current Shangshu mansion. According to you, I am afraid that he is not very decent, but totally disrespectful?
Thinking about it, Gao Mo still thanked Zhu Yingzhen for his kindness again and again, saying that he would tell the master as soon as he went back, and Zhu Yingzhen nodded with a smile.The two talked about the renovation of Princess Yongning's dormitory, and Gao Mo got up to say goodbye. Zhu Yingzhen made a gesture to send him off, but Gao Mo didn't dare to do it, and left after a modest resignation.

When Gao Mo returned to Shangshu Gaofu, and when Gao Yushi came back, he told him the matter.Gao Wushi was slightly surprised, pondered for a while, and asked, "Is there anything unusual about the Maritime Trade Alliance recently?"

Gao Mo knew that Gao Wushi's question must be aimed at Zhu Yingzhen's gift, so he thought for a while, and said, "Master, I heard that Japan's domestic battle is raging, or it has reached a critical moment, and the maritime trade alliance is working with Japan's most powerful The possible winning Toyotomi family contacted to fight for a series of trade privileges... I don’t know if Cheng Guogong has any thoughts on this.”

After Gao Mo said this, Gao Yushi suddenly remembered that this year is the 15th year of Wanli, which is 1587 AD, which is the 15th year of Tianzheng in Japan.And this year, Toyotomi Hideyoshi started the "Kyushu Expedition".

The Kyushu Expedition, also known as the Battle of Kyushu, was a battle in which Toyotomi Hideyoshi led all the great names in Japan to conquer the Kyushu Shimadzu clan. If there is no major change in history, the victory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the surrender of Shimadzu Yoshihisa And ended up.

The premise of the outbreak of this war was that the Kyushu daimyo Otomo Zonglin's army was retreating steadily due to the rise of the Shimadzu clan, and had to ask for help from the overlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi in Kinai.At that time, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who had conquered the four countries, summoned Kuroda Takataka to inquire about countermeasures. Kuroda Takataka thought this was a good opportunity to pacify Kyushu, so Hideyoshi ordered preparations for the war, and at the same time wrote back asking Otomo Zonglin to continue to stand firm and wait for reinforcements.

In addition, after the Battle of Imayama, the power of Ryuzoji Temple was greatly reduced. At this time, there were only Hizen three castles left. Facing Shimadzu's aggressive situation, Naoshima Naoshige had to beg for a truce.

However, Shimadzu Yoshihiro refused, and still ordered the attack on Ryuzoji Temple, and the Shimadzu family attacked Shimizunoe and Sefukuji Castle for a long time.The day of Ryuzoji's demise is approaching, so Naoshima Naoshima asked Ryuzoji to become Shimadzu's servant, and finally surrendered to Shimadzu, and was spared death.

As the saying goes, the lips are dead and the teeth are cold, so within ten days, Arima Harunobu who assisted Ryuzoji Temple was also destroyed by the Shimadzu clan, and Arima Harunobu surrendered to the Shimadzu clan.In this way, the Shimadzu family has only one opponent left in Kyushu, the Otomo family, and from the perspective of the situation, the demise of the Otomo family is only a matter of time.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi felt that the Shimadzu clan was too rampant, and the rising trend was obvious. If no restrictions were imposed, it would inevitably affect the Toyotomi clan's rule, so he sent a letter of negotiation to the Shimadzu clan, ordering the two forces in Kyushu to stop the war and obey the leadership of the Toyotomi regime. .

However, Shimadzu Yoshihisa rejected Toyotomi Hideyoshi's proposal and attacked Chikuzen, causing Toyotomi Hideyoshi to send troops to Kyushu in the name of "rescue allies" (Otomo's family).

There is no need to elaborate on the process of this battle, but it is said that after Toyotomi Hideyoshi won the victory, the Toyotomi family and their subordinates re-divided Kyushu Island.

Otomo Yoshitomo and Ryuzoji politicians each ruled their own country, Bungo and Hizen, and the two vassal states remained unchanged. The local wealthy families such as the Ma family, the Omura family, the Matsuura family, and the Sagara family maintained their original territories.The Ito clan restored part of its territory in the Hyuga feudal kingdom, and Toyotomi Hideyoshi also recruited Sasa Narumasa, who was idle at home, to let him lead the Higo feudal kingdom, and the Sasao clan was revived.

Kuroda Takataka, who made great contributions to the Kyushu Expedition, was also granted the Bungzen Domain and officially became a daimyo.Kobayakawa Takakage also received the Chikuzen feudal kingdom due to his military service, and his adopted son Kobayakawa Hidebo received the Chikugo kingdom.

But the strange thing is that the Yoshikawa family, who is also one of the "two rivers" of the Mori family, seems to have gained nothing.In the summer, Motocho Yoshikawa died of illness in Hyuga, and his younger brother, Hiroshi Yoshikawa, succeeded him as governor.

In addition, there is an even more strange situation: the "culprit" of the Kyushu expedition, Shimadzu, did not get much punishment.Except for being deprived of part of the territory of the Hyuga clan, the Shimadzu family basically had no other punishment, and his family still maintained the ruling power of Satsuma and Osumi.

The most important "foreign trade" business of the Beiyang Maritime Trade Alliance is Japanese trade. The major changes in Japan will certainly have an impact on the Maritime Trade Alliance. Gao Mo suspects that Zhu Yingzhen's idle hospitality is related to the domestic situation in Japan, which is completely understandable .

Gao Wushi couldn't help thinking after listening to it, and even had some reflections: Although it is indeed difficult for him to allocate his strength and energy to directly intervene in Japan's domestic situation, if he uses the Maritime Trade Alliance, will he be able to do something?
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(End of this chapter)